2019 Official NRL Thread (Spoilers/Rumours/Game Results/Discussions etc.)
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The North Queensland Cowboys have sacked Ben Barba for a 'significant breach' of his contract following an investigation into an incident involving the fullback at a casino in Townsville.
Barba had his contract terminated as the result of an alleged physical altercation with his partner Ainslie Currie.
The NRL was made aware of the Townsville casino incident on Friday afternoon. Queensland Police are involved.
It’s understood the alleged incident happened at The Ville Resort-Casino, a sponsor of the Cowboys. The Herald understands there is CCTV footage of the alleged incident.
In a statement released on Friday evening, Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini said the club had terminated Barba's contract due to a 'significant breach' of its terms.
Leith Holding
OzCardTrader
I’d suggest, he’d have more chance at the Roosters - given their recent signings of Joe Kelly and Daniel Anderson. They could cover up Barba’s Indiscretions with their sizeable Sombrero...
saintsforever
OzCardTrader
Over before it began
Leith Holding
OzCardTrader
In the words of KBW?
saintsforever
OzCardTrader
And st.georg bank have made a statement, they will be withdrawing sponsorship if he plays
Leith Holding
OzCardTrader
You wouldn’t think he would be playing then.
Hard to say what the Federal Court will rule but as Ross said, if De Belin win’s the ramifications for the NRL and their abiiity to punish will be significant.
The keyboard warriors are out in force on this one, innocent until proven guilty etc. That statement is very correct but the court process and the discipline process undertaken by the NRL are two very different things. I can think of numerous occupations / professions where an employee, if charges like De Belin has been would be stood down on full pay pending court. The NRL are basing their decision on the games image and irrespective of innocence or guilt to a criminal standard (beyond reasonable doubt), the situation that De Belin has been involved in hurts the games image.
The keyboard warriors are out in force on this one, innocent until proven guilty etc. That statement is very correct but the court process and the discipline process undertaken by the NRL are two very different things. I can think of numerous occupations / professions where an employee, if charges like De Belin has been would be stood down on full pay pending court. The NRL are basing their decision on the games image and irrespective of innocence or guilt to a criminal standard (beyond reasonable doubt), the situation that De Belin has been involved in hurts the games image.
I 100% agree the court process and a discipline process are two different things but what employee or organisation changes their rules after a contract has been signed without consulting their union and at the very last minute. Could you imagine if this happened in the real world? Everyone would be having kittens, there would be demonstrations and industrial action left right and centre and I don't think this is any different.
The thing that I find interesting is the NRLs knee jerk reaction and ultimately bowing to media pressure after doing nothing for 3 months, show some balls you made a rule not long ago because you stuffed up the Brett Stewart incident stick to it and ride it out. The only consistency they show is the fact that they are inconsistent just making things up as they go along.
From a legal perspective I am curious to see the ruling as the court has already ruled previously that he can train and play when they altered his bail condition will they back away from what they have already ruled?
Just for the record I don't believe he should be playing but I also think the process is flawed.
Ross
I also agree he shouldn’t be playing for many reasons , not just himself but the ramifications it has on his team .
I personally think the manly thing to do would be stand down and let the court process take its course and let the judicial system decide his innocence or guilt as everyone deserves.
For the sole purpose of not disrupting your fellow teammates as it would have to be a distraction which is unfair on them .
However I’m not a law professional but his argument that the no fault stand down that was introduced after his alleged crime was backtracked to stand him out of the game seems to me like he may have a decent case ???
He also has pleaded not guilty and at the end of the day playing football is his job just like a plumber, sparky etc , and they would be allowed to continue working in the same position.
As for the do-gooders that argue football players are role models to kids , maybe have a look at your parenting skills because if you’re raising your kids to look up to someone that throws a ball around for a living to be a role model for your children maybe you need a reality check .
It is a good point you make Ross, but that is the NRL, knee jerk reaction to everything and no consistency in punishments or even decisions in the field!
Common sense says to me, regardless if it is known or written into your contract, you get charged with a serious criminal offence there will be implications in your employment.
De Belin isn’t like a tradie who won’t get paid if he doesn’t go to work. He is on full pay, can train with the team and stay fit and see his mates.
The senior management of the organisation really need to get things right.
In terms of being role models, I feel professional sports men and women have a huge responsibility in this area. Promoting staying fit and being disciplined with training etc are very good, positive things to promote. Further, in many communities, particularly Indigenous, NRL players are all they know and can relate to. These things go far beyond a person who ‘throws a footy around.’
Common sense says to me, regardless if it is known or written into your contract, you get charged with a serious criminal offence there will be implications in your employment.
De Belin isn’t like a tradie who won’t get paid if he doesn’t go to work. He is on full pay, can train with the team and stay fit and see his mates.
The senior management of the organisation really need to get things right.
In terms of being role models, I feel professional sports men and women have a huge responsibility in this area. Promoting staying fit and being disciplined with training etc are very good, positive things to promote. Further, in many communities, particularly Indigenous, NRL players are all they know and can relate to. These things go far beyond a person who ‘throws a footy around.’
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Unfortunately if he voluntarily stood himself down everyone would assume he is guilty. He basically has to go down this path of suing the NRL as much for the process of standing behind his not guilty plea as anything else.
It is a huge distraction for the Dragons and regardless of what is said publicly IMO it has basically ensured St George wont have a chance of winning the comp. It will go quiet for a while and then in April the noise will pick up again and so on, there is no escape for the club until the verdict which potentially could be years away.
I am a fan of Roy Masters he has to be one of the best journo's in the game, I think his article on it was one of the most balanced pieces:
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/th...-de-belin-guilty-ban-him-20190222-p50zmh.html
Cheers
Ross
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